The 1962 Vikings lost seven consecutive games, the most in franchise history for one season. The 2011 team, now on a four game losing streak, could break the record by losing its last four games including the season finale at home on January 1 against Chicago.
Former Gopher wide receiver Eric Decker talking about his Denver quarterback teammate Tim Tebow who directed the Broncos to another close win yesterday against the Vikings: “He’s a miracle maker. He brings a positive attitude and optimism that has rubbed off on the guys. He does a great job.”
The Gophers 1972 Big Ten championship basketball team was honored at halftime of Saturday’s Minnesota-USC game at Williams arena. Among those in attendance were Ron Behagen, Jim Brewer, Corky Taylor, Clyde Turner, Greg Troland and Dave Winfield.
The Gophers were coached by the late Bill Musselman who loved to intimidate opponents and motivated his players by playing war songs in the locker room.
Gophers coach Tubby Smith after being asked about Rodney Williams’ spectacular 360 degree dunk in Saturday’s win against USC: “I didn’t see it. What did he do?”
The Timberwolves could put a starting lineup on the floor with players who were all top five draft choices. Forward Derrick Williams and center Darko Milicic were No. 2 overall choices, guard Wes Johnson a No. 4, and forward Kevin Love and guard Ricky Rubio both were No. 5 picks. Michael Beasley, who could win a job ahead of Williams, was also a No. 2 draft choice.
St. Thomas won its home football playoff game on Saturday against St. John Fisher and advances to the Division III semifinals but a less than capacity crowd was a disappointment.
The Mr. Football banquet will be Sunday afternoon at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park. The 10 finalists for the award are: Beau Bofferding, Marshall; Jonathan Harden, Cretin-Derham Hall, Trey Heid, Lakeville North; Andrew Larson, Eden Prairie; Andre McDonald, Hopkins; Nate Meyer, Rocori; Phillip Nelson, Mankato West; Jonah Pirsig, Blue Earth Area; Sam Sura, South St. Paul; Tyler Vaughan, Braham. The Mr. Football program is sponsored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Vikings.
Eden Prairie Class 5A state championship football coach Mike Grant will be the speaker on Thursday, January 12 at the C.O.R.E.S. luncheon in Bloomington. C.O.R.E.S. members can contact Jim Dotseth for more information, dotsethj@comcast.net. C.O.R.E.S is an acronym for coaches, officials, educators, reporters and sports fans.
The Wild announced that in partnership with West Bend and Kincaid’s Classic American Dining, the Wild About Children event last month raised $150,000 ─ the second largest fundraising total in event history. Over eight years, more than $814,000 has benefitted Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.